Sylvia La Torre - The Last Kundiman Singer

Sylvia La Torre - The Last Kundiman Singer
In 2008, I had the incredible honor of meeting and interviewing Sylvia La Torre when she was 75 years old. A true icon, she passed away peacefully in December 2022.

Our conversation was like a trip through time—she shared fascinating stories from the golden age of Philippine entertainment, recalling forgotten shows and beloved personalities with vivid detail.

Here’s a fun fact not many know: Sylvia secretly lent her beautiful voice to actresses in old movies who couldn’t sing, yet she was never credited for it. Her legacy goes far beyond what was publicly known—a testament to her immense talent and humility.

Rest in peace, Sylvia. Your voice lives on.

00:00 - Intro
01:38 - Status of Kundiman today
02:26 - Sylvia is curious about Florante's journey into harana music
05:28 - The last active kundiman artist and her legacy
07:07 - "How did you start and get discovered in the show business?"
12:25 - Sylvia talks about her colleagues in the show business
13:50 - Radio days - her voice used as various characters
15:55 - Crossing over to television
17:25 - Her voice was secretly used for dubbing actresses who can't sing
19:18 - "Amidst you acting carrer, did you ever wish to be taken more seriously as a kundiman singer?
20:12 - Studying music at UST Conservatory of Music while having an acting career
21:53 - "How do you maintain your vocal technique?"
22:15 - Her favorite songs, and songs she is known for
22:37 - Florante accompanies Sylvia on her trademark song Sa Kabukiran
24:30 - Her message to young people